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Title: A finite element analysis of the thermomechanical behavior of fiber reinforced composites

Journal Article · · Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials; (United States)
 [1]
  1. Wisconsin, University, Madison (United States)

Many problems remain unsolved regarding part and mold design for fiber reinforced composites. The thermomechanical processes occur during the mold filling, curing and mold removal stages when compression molding fiber reinforced parts are not very well understood. Irregular thermomechanical properties lead to parts that are warped and that have sink marks and surface waviness. This paper discusses thermomechanical material properties and the theory behind shrinkage and warpage in shot fiber reinforced composites. It also presents a thermomechanical process simulation of compression molding of short fiber reinforced parts. The simulation is compared to experiments. Numerical experimentation with the simulation program gives insight into the effect that processing conditions have on shrinkage and warpage. 17 refs.

OSTI ID:
5170479
Journal Information:
Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials; (United States), Vol. 4; ISSN 0892-7057
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English